RadioBanter - View Single Post

September 8th 03, 01:19 AM

In article ,
(Brian) writes:

Everyone knows that a picture is worth a thousand words, so if Jim can
send a thousand real words (not ARRL numbergrams or Q-signals) in the
space of one FSTV image, ... maybe he shouldn't be censured. Just
maybe. Get back with me if he passes.

Well, let's see...

Suppose we consider an FSTV image to be composed of 367,500 pixels (525 lines
of 700 pixels each - aspect ratio 4/3, NTSC black-and-white). Suppose each
pixel contains 8 bits. We'll ignore synchronization and other overhead for the
time being.

Then sending one NTSC/FSTV image requires the transfer of at least 2,940,000
bits.

Of course this can be reduced by compression, but compression isn't allowed in
the comparison.

Sending 1000 words in Morse requires the transfer of 50,000 bits, allowing 50
bits per word (ITU standard)

Now if we try to use OOK/AM to send those bits through a 250 Hz bandwidth, the
2,940,000 bits of the single FSTV image will take 58.8 times as long to
transmit as the 50,000 bits/ 1000 words of Morse will take. Or to put it
another way, 58,800 words can be sent in the time it takes to send one FSTV
image.

That is, if the playing field is level.

It's self-evident that a radio amateur who has no Morse code skills is not a
fully qualified radio amateur, particularly for HF/MF amateur operation. That's
a plain and simple fact.

Whether that means a Morse code skills test *must* be part of the licensing
process is a matter of opinion.